30 Year Lie

by C.C. Bergen

‘I know what you did...’

A dark, atmospheric, slow-burn thriller that explores the deepest corners of the human psyche.

A remote island. A dark past. On Skye, memory becomes a deadly weapon.
Callum’s grandmother raised him. After her death, he seeks the truth surrounding his mother’s disappearance in 1992. He confronts Isabel Amarante, the author of a new thriller set in Scotland, convinced that her novel is based on a crime involving his mother. He hunts Isabel down to Disley, a picturesque village bordering the High Peak District in England.

As Callum delves into the roots of a dark secret on the Isle of Skye, Isabel must face down her own fragmented memories. But the truth is more tangled and dangerous than either could imagine, linking their lives and changing them forever.

Longlisted for the prestigious Mslexia Novel Competition, this gripping debut introduces a new voice in contemporary psychological fiction. Perfect for readers looking for complex characters, rich landscapes, and an unforgettable mystery.

Note: This book contains sensitive themes, including discussions of suicide and abortion.

317 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication September 8, 2026

About the author

C.C. Bergen’s debut novel is a psychological thriller set in the wild, beautiful, and sometimes menacing Isle of Skye, Scotland, and the windswept, brooding Peak District, locations which serve as the perfect backdrop for a story about dark, buried secrets.

Dual timelines and points of view create a sense of intrigue and tension while building suspense. Flashbacks to 1992 reveal author Isabel’s youth, returning to the present-day for a shocking closure.

Callum’s quest for justice for his lost mother fuels the narrative. The corrosive nature of secrets resonates throughout the book.

The author graduated with an MA in Creative Writing from Lancaster University in the United Kingdom.

Pre-order '30 YEAR LIE' here:
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Reviews

[Amber Gilreath · Rating 4 out of 5]

30 Year Lie is a book with creeping tension; every chapter adds another layer to the story. The characters, their relationships and their stories are impactful until the end. Perception is not always reality. This is a great read from start to finish with a stunning backdrop found in Bergen’s descriptions of the Isle of Skye and the Peak District.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

30 Year Lie is a quietly gripping, emotionally layered mystery that unfolds with a steady, thoughtful tension. From the very beginning, there’s a sense of unresolved grief hanging over Callum’s search for answers, and the novel handles that weight with a gentle, human touch. His determination to uncover the truth about his mother’s disappearance feels deeply personal, and the way it leads him to Isabel — and to the unsettling parallels within her new novel — creates an intriguing, atmospheric hook.

The dual perspective works beautifully. Callum’s journey into long‑buried secrets on the Isle of Skye has a raw, searching quality, while Isabel’s fragmented memories add a more introspective, fragile thread. Watching their stories slowly intertwine gives the book a compelling emotional rhythm, and the tension builds not through shock value but through the gradual realisation that the past is far more tangled than either of them imagined.

The settings — from Disley’s quiet charm to Skye’s haunting landscape — add a lovely sense of place, grounding the mystery in real, lived‑in environments. The themes of loss, identity and the long shadows cast by family secrets are handled with sensitivity, especially given the difficult subject matter noted in the trigger warnings.

This is a reflective, atmospheric mystery that lingers. It’s less about dramatic twists and more about the slow, unsettling unravelling of truth — and the way confronting the past can reshape a life. Thoughtful, engaging and quietly powerful.

with thanks to CC Bergen, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[But First Tea, Reads | · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed getting to know the characters in this debut, especially Izzy, Heather and Callum. I particularly liked the younger Izzy timeline and how it showed the way one event can affect someone's life for years afterwards.
I also enjoyed following Callum as he searched for answers about his mum. There was something compelling about his need to understand what had happened, and I liked seeing him piece together the truth.
It is definitely a slow burn, and the first 30% felt quite slow for me, but once the different timelines came into play, I was much more invested. I did find it quite easy to piece together what had happened, though, so I wasn't really waiting for a twist. Instead, I was more interested in finding out the details of how everything had happened and following Callum's journey.
I would have liked more of Callum's investigation, as I think there was room to develop his search further. I also wouldn't personally class this as a psychological thriller. For me, it felt more like a family mystery centred around uncovering the truth.
Overall, I enjoyed the characters and the different timelines, and I think there's plenty here for readers who enjoy stories about family, secrets and uncovering the past. I'll definitely be interested to see what C.C. Bergen writes next.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

30 Year Lie is a slow-burn mystery that gradually pulls you into a story of family secrets, fragmented memories and a disappearance that has remained unanswered for decades.

I really enjoyed following Callum as he searched for the truth about what happened to his mother in 1992. His determination to find answers leads him to Isabel, whose new novel seems to contain some unsettling similarities to his own family history. From there, the different timelines and perspectives begin to reveal how much of the past has remained buried.

It definitely took me a little while to settle into this one, but once the timelines started coming together, I became much more invested. I particularly enjoyed the sections exploring the past and seeing how events from thirty years ago continued to impact the characters in the present.

Rather than being packed with huge twists, this felt more like slowly pulling apart a complicated family mystery and discovering exactly how everyone was connected. I liked that the secrets were revealed gradually, giving you time to form your own theories about what had really happened.

An atmospheric and intriguing debut about grief, memory, family and the consequences of keeping secrets for far too long. A good choice for anyone who enjoys a slower mystery where uncovering the past is at the heart of the story.

[Malcolm Colling · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not only a tale of mystery and murder, but much more.

A book where the characters’ voices and actions bounce around your thoughts as you try to figure out who did what. Indeed, of equal or greater relevance, why they did what.

A book that tackles the “fact-truth-trust” process that we all grapple with as we search for at least a semblance of harmony in our lives. Through the eyes of the main characters we get to see how this process is handled in a variety of ways. The author has a sensitivity and subtleness that becomes more and more apparent as the book progresses.

When reading works of fiction, I find there are three sorts: the “bus-book”; the “plane-book”; and the “carpet-book”. The first type is where you set out on a journey pretty much aware of what you’ll experience getting to where you know you’ll end up - if the bus turns up. The second type is similar to the first, but add in a bit of the exotic. The third type is where you’re carried away (on a magic carpet) to new places to see new things and experience new thoughts. Rare, indeed, for a new author to go straight into my “carpet-book” category. CC Bergen is that good.

I more than enjoyed reading this book and fully recommend.

[Annemarie Vicary · Rating 4 out of 5]

30 Year Lie by C.C. Bergen — publication 8th September 2026

Thank you to C.C. Bergen for sharing this ARC with me.

The story begins with two cousins who spend a summer together — a summer that will change their lives forever. It’s difficult to share too many details without risking spoilers, but what follows is a story filled with secrets, consequences, difficult choices and plenty of life lessons.

There are so many moments throughout the book that made me think “if only…” — if only someone had made a different decision, been somewhere else, or spoken up at the right moment. At times, the story reminded me of Sliding Doors, exploring just how one small change or one moment can alter the course of someone’s life.

Being in the wrong place at the wrong time can have consequences that last far longer than anyone could have imagined.

As the story unfolds, we see how the choices made in one summer can continue to impact lives decades later. There are twists, emotions and plenty to keep you turning the pages as the truth slowly comes to light.

A thought-provoking story about family, secrets, choices and the lasting consequences of the decisions we make.

📚 Publication date: 8th September 2026

[Estelle Bouldin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The premise is intriguing, and I found myself wanting to know what really happened all those years ago.

This isn't one of those thrillers that throws a twist at you every other chapter just for the sake of it. Instead, the tension builds slowly as more pieces of the story fall into place. I kept changing my mind about who I trusted, especially with Callum. At times I felt sorry for him, and at other times he made me genuinely uneasy.

I also really enjoyed Isabel as a main character. She's an ordinary woman dealing with everyday life, trying to enjoy the success of her first novel when someone suddenly starts dredging up the past. That made her feel relatable, and I was rooting for her while also wondering if she was hiding something.

The Peak District setting was described well enough that I could picture it without pages of unnecessary detail, and it added a nice atmosphere to the story.

The book is more of a slow-burn mystery where the characters and their relationships are just as important as the mystery itself. Personally, I enjoy that kind of storytelling because it gives you time to really get invested.

[Zara Dal · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

I really enjoyed this. It was atmospheric, tense, emotional, well paced and kept me interested from beginning to end.

In 1992, Callum's mother vanished on the Isle of Skye when he was just a baby. Thirty years later, a newly released thriller appears to tell the story of that night in uncanny detail, and Callum becomes determined to uncover the truth behind his mother's disappearance.

What follows is a cleverly constructed mystery where not everything is as it first appears.

One of my favourite aspects of the book was the dual POV of Callum and Izzy, alongside the dual timeline. The structure worked brilliantly, gradually revealing the events surrounding that night whilst showing the modern-day consequences that continue to ripple through the lives of those involved.

The Isle of Skye setting added a wonderful sense of atmosphere, and the story balanced suspense with emotional depth. It was difficult to predict exactly where the story was heading, which is always a plus for me.

A clever mystery packed with secrets, lies, and long-buried truths. If you enjoy atmospheric thrillers with dual timelines and emotional stakes, this is definitely worth picking up.

[Emily Skeen · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ Rounded to 5 ⭐️

30 Year Lie is a dual timeline novel that shows how one event can alter the trajectory of someone's life both in the immediate future, as well as resurfacing years later.

I really enjoyed the character development of Isabel, Heather and Callum. Each character was easily distinguishable from the other and you felt their genuine reactions to various situations as they arise in the story. Isabel/Izzy's younger persona in the past timeline gives a good understanding into background events that lead to the mystery and climatic events in the present day setting.

The novel is very atmospheric and kept you coming back for more. Reading e-book/kindle format is not my preference as I tend to forget about the story or not feel compelled to pick it up if given the choice of a physical or audiobook. It is a testament to the writing and intrigue of this story that I kept wanting to return to this world and finished it in 3 days.

Highly recommend to those who enjoy slower-paced mystery and psychological thrillers.

[Rustic_Reads_ Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a psychological thriller, this was more of a slow-burn than I’m used to but the pacing actually felt just right for this story. Rather than relying on constant twists, the suspense builds gradually as Callum gets closer to the truth and Isabel’s fragmented memories begin to reveal more - and I was here for it all.

I am a massive fan of dual timelines and POVs and these definitely added to the sense of mystery, while the Skye and Peak District settings created an atmospheric backdrop. There is always that sense of something not quite right - and that constant feeling of unease really kept me invested.

What a fantastically intriguing and evocative debut. 30 Year Lie brought a boat load of secrets, unanswered questions and a creeping sense that the truth may be much more complicated than it first appears.

Being Scottish, I always appreciate a good Scottish setting, and 30 Year Lie gave me that feeling of nostalgia and homesickness for the country I call home — even when the themes of the book are far from idyllic.

[Naturalbri (Bri Wignall) · Rating 4 out of 5]

It would be hard to find a reason not to want to read this book. A lad is reeling over the loss of the last of this family and now wants to find out the truth behind the loss of his mother, it is about a Scottish location and involves some mysterious happenings. Well, you had me at Scottish, but do go on.
This book starts out throwing you into the deep end of a grief driven search for the truth about his mum and you really get given a whirlwind of what happens. Throughout the book, there are little bits and pieces that will jiggle at you, making you wonder what more is going on, and you just wait as it gets oh so tumultuous and exciting.
The author go especially us a brilliant level of detail to really bring the characters to life, making it all the more easy to really become connected with our lad and want to see him able to figure things out.
There are twists, surprise additions and lots to keep you guessing and your mind busy. I found it a very good read.

#prproduct

[Bekky Clarke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a brilliant read. Actually perfect the way that it slips between timelines to get all versions of the story and told between the dual POV of Isabel/Izzy and Callum to add the extra details that are needed to figure out what actually happened.

Set partly on the beautiful island of Skye and partly in Disley, both have their charms and quirks and both make the perfect settings for this story.

This one isnt super faced paced - but this works so well for this read. Getting to know the characters especially Callum and Isabel and seeing how the past can affect your future. I loved piecing together the mystery and loved seeing how everything came together in the end.

A really enjoyable read from start to finish, one that I found hard to put down even with its slower pace. Definitely recommend!

[Anna Beatty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed 30 Year Lie. If you're expecting a thriller packed with twist after twist, this isn't that kind of book. Instead, it takes its time, slowly building the mystery until everything comes together in the end. I actually liked the slower pace because it gave me the chance to really get to know the characters.
Isabel was a relatable main character, and I found myself invested in her story from the beginning. The settings were beautifully described and really brought each location to life, adding to the atmosphere of the story.

I'd definitely recommend it to readers who enjoy suspense that focuses more on the journey than constant shock twists.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the 30 Year Lie, we meet Callum, a young man searching for his mother who went missing when he was a baby. Callum is certain that writer Isabel Aramante knows something about his mothers disappearance. Isabel is struggling with her unhappy marriage and unsettled by confused memories of an incident with her cousin Heather many decades before. We are taken back in time to Isabel and Heathers stay with their grandmother on the vividly depicted isle of Skye. We follow both Callum and Isabels journey to uncover the lies and deception of the past. 30 Year Lie is a gripping story that holds the readers attention right to the shocking reveal at the end. Well worth a read.

[Keely Vanderlinden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an advanced reader copy of 30 Year Lie, and it was a great read from start to finish. C.C. Bergen builds the suspense gradually throughout the story, making it incredibly difficult to put the book down and keeping you hooked right to the very end.

The vivid descriptions of the Isle of Skye and Disley, along with the well-developed characters, really bring the story to life. You get a genuine sense of the locations and environments, which makes it easy to become completely immersed in the story and connect with the characters on a more personal and relatable level.

Look forward to seeing what CC Bergen comes out with next.

[Niki Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

30 Year Lie is a book about a group of teens who make bad choices one night and hit a sheep in the road. Fast forward 30 years, and Izzy has written a book about that night, only making it more interesting by changing the sheep to a person, and that opens a whole can of worms for Callum, the son of a person who went missing the same time as the teens' accident.
The book was good, but took me more time to read due to the different verbiage/terms. I feel like certain parts of the book were rushed, while others were dragged out. I personally felt like the climax and the ending could have been a little more dramatic. Overall, 4 stars.

[Melissa * bookedwithmel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well written debut novel. I typically prefer my thrillers to be more fast paced but this story flows well enough that it was easy for me to keep picking it up.

I would consider this one a slow burn atmospheric mystery. It took me a bit to get into it but once we got more into both characters’ stories, it drew me in. I liked getting both Callum and Isabel’s POV and we got the past perspective throughout the story also. I loved Callum’s determination to find answers about his mother’s disappearance.

Thank you C. C. & Love Books Tours for my copy of this book.

[Olivia De · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an intriguing plot with more than one storyline set against the backdrop of the beautiful images of the Isle of Skye and the Peak District. Not only does the scenery come alive in this cleverly crafted tale, but so do the characters as we follow their quests, adventures and endeavours. Unresolved issues come to light: the truth, absolution, and even forgiveness. The innovative use of similes and metaphors should bring a smile to your face as this heartfelt mystery unravels.

[Charlie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was such an intriguing debut psychological thriller! 👀

I loved the mystery surrounding Callum’s mum’s disappearance and how the story jumps between the past and present. The secrets, fragmented memories and twists kept me guessing, and I was desperate to find out how everything connected.

A gripping debut with a great atmosphere and plenty of secrets to uncover. If you enjoy psychological thrillers with a slow-burn mystery, this is definitely one to add to your TBR! 📖✨

[Jane Shiel]

I really enjoyed this thrilling story as it unfolded gradually in parallel and converging strands. The reader is really drawn into the story and its convincing characters through the very descriptive text. The atmosphere of the Scottish Highlands is a perfect setting for this compelling story. Congratulations to CC Bergen on an amazing first novel - a great read and looking forward to the next one!

[Carol Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really well written book. Storyline flows well and is easy to read.

Good details and not to wishy washy.interesting characters and dealt with some sensitive issues well.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Catherine Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very entertaining read, set in a lovely part of the world. The author captured the mysterious, wild and haunting beauty of a Scottish island and the loss suffered by a single act of thoughtlessness. I was hooked from the start.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love a multi-timeline story with multiple perspectives, and this book delivered exactly that. While a few of the timeline shifts left me feeling slightly motion sick at times, it also made me pay closer attention to the details and how everything connected.

This is very much a character-driven mystery, focusing more on the motivations behind events than simply revealing who was responsible. The story really came into its own in the second half, gradually peeling back its layers and tying everything together in a satisfying way.

The characterisation was strong, although some characters appealed to me more than others. There were also several side storylines that felt more like distractions than meaningful additions. In particular, the marriage and relationship in both Isabel's and Callum's lives didn't add much to the central plot and could have been removed without losing anything important.

The real standout for me was the setting. The Isle of Skye was wonderfully atmospheric, and I could easily picture the wild landscapes, dark evenings, and growing tension surrounding the mystery. The Peak District provided a beautiful contrast to the harsher Scottish setting.

Overall, 30 Year Lie is an atmospheric, slow-burn mystery with complex characters and a decades-old secret at its heart. I'd recommend it to readers who enjoy character-driven suspense, evocative settings, and mysteries that focus on the "why" just as much as the "who."

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Copy from the author

Love that this book was based in Scotland. I could not put down as a chapter ended I wanted to read the next.

[Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing read each chapter grow in a creeping yet beautiful way as did relations with the characters..

[Melanie Ashby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the dual timelines and found this a compelling read . I was hooked from the start